The three S’s sum up the state of play in Punta Cana. The sun, sea and sand on the Dominican Republic’s eastern edge are rated among the best in the world. More than 50 miles of white-sand coast runs from Bavaro to Uvero and beyond. And most of it’s backed by coconut-bearing palm trees – earning this region the title of the Coconut Coast.
In between learning how to surf and scuba diving around coral reefs and shipwrecks, you’ll find plenty of things to do on land, as well. Punta Cana’s home to over a dozen golf courses, some of which have been designed by Jack Nicklaus, one of the best golfers of all time. And if the countryside’s more your scene, you can head into the rainforest on a guided buggy tour. Or, whizz through the tree canopy on a zip lining excursion.
In its heyday, over 500 years ago, the town of Higuey was visited by famous explorers like Christopher Columbus and Juan Ponce de León. Today, it’s a popular daytripping spot for culture vultures. The town’s standout attraction’s the Basilica of La Altagracia, a concrete cathedral that was built in 1970. It’s in the centre of town, next to a museum that’s filled with religious paintings. The rest of Higuey’s scattered with family-run souvenir shops, where you can buy amber jewellery and little dolls made out of red clay.
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